Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are is a cornerstone of childhood because of its honest portrayal of anger and imagination. Max throws a tantrum and his mother punishes him by sending him to his room. But he crafts a flawless break-out plan using only his mind, dreaming of a voyage by sea to an island populated by beasts, where he can shout and dance to his heart's content. Even better, he never has to leave home, which means his favorite comforts (a mother's love and a hot meal) are there when he needs them. Vancouver's Presentation House Theatre performs its stage version of Where The Wild Things Are this week at the Center of Creative Arts (524 Trinity Avenue; 314-561-4877 or www.cocastl.org). The show is designed with young viewers in mind, and welcomes audience participation — kids can join in the grand "wild rumpus." Performances are at 4 and 6 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday (April 7 to 10). Tickets are $20.